I was recently having a conversation with a few men of the generation before me. They are proudly of the old school, and I have discovered that I can learn so much from these conversations if I just shut up and stay out of the way and listen.

After a few questions from them on how to exactly do a soft reset on their iPhone and wondering how in the world to turn down that girl on the GPS, I was no longer needed and the topic then turned interesting as they began reminiscing about their first cars.

One chimed in quickly, “Green ’52 four-door Chevy. Not the best and smoothest ride, but well worth the $125 in memories.” My eyes widened a bit as all I could think of was $125? I can barely take my family of four to Arby’s and a movie for that.

And then another memory was reported. “Mine was an AMC Ambassador. White, fast and roomy!” We all held our tongues in a response to this one as the third one sounded off, “1952 Ford Crestline Sunliner. Pretty sure it was a L-Head Straight 6.”

At this, I just laughed a little harder than normal and nodded my head in a desperate attempt to try to fool them into thinking that I knew what they were talking about.

I leaned in and was about to share my memory of my first ride. Then I swallowed that thought. Because who cares about a 1990 GMC S-15 Sonoma? It just doesn’t seem to match up to their cars.

Or ’93 Mitsubishi Montero? Or a ’96 Chevrolet Blazer? I could go on for a few more vehicles but it was so obvious that that classic glamor in these guys’ memories and vehicular recalling was completely absent in any vehicles of my past ownership.

The only things I could brag about with my cars were the solid plastic bumpers, dual climate control, an extra 12-volt outlet, and that annoying dinging and chiming that relentlessly ensues letting me know that I haven’t buckled up yet. All the while, these guys were joyously carrying on about “four on the floor” and “vent windows” and “horn rings” and “tailfins.”

As always, I was impressed, entertained and enlightened by listening to them. And I realized that even though my cars may have been safer and better on fuel mileage, they certainly waned in the Design and Excitement department.

But on second thought, after a few more years, I realized these memories of my first rides will be just as sweet and glamorous as these guys’. Mine won’t be about how shiny the metal was, but more about what the seats smelled like. And it’s more about remembering the moments than the car. And now I understand when the first one said, “not the best ride, but well worth the memories.”

“So, any of you guys want me to show you how to close out and refresh your apps?”

Langdon Reid is a native of Staunton, songwriter and performer. Email him at gondorff75@yahoo.com